01/24/2013
Get Up Close & Personal With Sandy
Meet Sandy Dias. He's the foreman of Hott and Handy, and with good reason. Not only does he know his way around a toolbox, he built his own house! With a degree in aeronautical technology, he's always wanted to work with planes—now he just flies on a gazillion of them to get to his prestigious modeling jobs around the world. Read on to get to know the Hugo Boss showroom model with the killer smile. Then, catch him on the series premiere of Built Monday, January 28, at 9/8c on Style!
How did you get your start in the modeling business?
I went to school for aeronautical engineering, and I was working at an airport to put myself through college. I was checking bags when someone told me that I should be a model. I wasn't too keen on the idea at the time. Then, I met this guy who said he knew some people at Wilhelmina, which is my modeling agency now. I went in there and they told me that I was different and that I was good, but not good enough. I had to take it to another level and then come back. Around that time, there was also a Hispanic designer model search going on. The girls who worked at the cafeteria at the airport literally sent my picture in. It was weird. I didn't even know what to do. They told me to just walk down the runway and be myself. I walked this runway at a local mall and I wond the contest. When they took the competition nationally, I won that as well. That's how modeling took off for me.
What are some of your favorite perks of the job?
I love that I get to wear all of these amazing clothes. Being a showroom model for Hugo Boss, they're very generous. As a result, I barely have to buy any clothes. I fit the clothes perfectly. I also love that I get to travel around the world.
What's your favorite place you've ever traveled to?
I went to the Caribbean for 15 days to do my first national commercial with Tommy Hilfiger, which made the trip twice as memorable. We shot on different islands. What's not to love? You've got sun and sand. And there are beautiful people around.
What's your travel must-have?
I definitely need my razor. I need a clean shave. As a model, I need toothpaste because my forté is my smile and I have to keep it looking good all the time. Dental hygiene is important.
What's it like working with the guys of Hott and Handy?
Working with four other male models is really fun because we all know each other from modeling. As models, it's not about a team effort. With Hott and Handy, it's a team effort. I'm the foreman, so it's my responsibility to put the whole unit together on the job site. We all understand the nature of the modeling business and can appreciate and are flexible when one of us books a gig. We're all in the same boat and we all work well with each other.
What's your favorite home project to work on?
My favorite thing is to gut out an entire kitchen and makeover the entire thing. It makes me feel like I've created something.
What's your favorite tool to work with?
I think the multi-tool is so versatile and important. It's like a Swiss Army knife, but a bigger, better version of it. It's very handy and you can have this one tool in your belt at all times.
What's something that most people would be surprised to know about you?
They'd probably be surprise to know that I can actually fix an airplane. I have a degree in that. Also, with the help of a contractor buddy of mine and an architect, I built my own house. Not too many people who know me even know that.
Describe your home. What's it like? How's your interior decor?
My house is in the style of an old English Tudor. The interior is upscale traditional with an Americana touch to it. I've got wainscoting running across the side of the stairs. It's got really high ceilings. When you walk in, I've got this massive chandelier that I put up myself. I have a grand staircase that isn't too shabby. My favorite part about my house is my master bathroom because I've got a cast iron clawfoot tub in there that weighs 400 lbs. I also have this Queen Anne chair that I love. It caught my attention as I was driving around. I couldn't stop talking about how great it looked. Thankfully, my friend convinced me to check it out and I still admire it everytime I walk by it in my house.
How would you describe your personal style?
My style is American classic. I like to wear clothes that are relaxed and simple, but fitted. Although my wardrobe consists of a lot of jeans and T-shirts, I love getting dressed up in a nice fitted suit. I'm not into baggy clothes. At the right time of the year, I really love to layer pieces and tie it all in with a great jacket.
What are your most coveted pieces in your wardrobe?
I love my leather jacket and my Hugo Boss three-piece suit. I don't wear either of them often and I think that's what attributes to making them so coveted. I look forward to that time of year when it's no longer warm but chilly. It is at tha time when I can enjoy my leather jacket. Then there is my three-piece suit, which only comes out for those very special occasions.
What kind of shoes do you usually like to wear?
I'm all about comfort, so I love my sneakers. I mainly opt for the classics, but I recently gave in to the fancy Nike Trainers in a neon color. The color motivates me to exercise. As far as a dress shoe, I love a retro look with a pointed toe. I love boots in the winter!
Who is your style icon?
It's a toss up between Bruce Wayne and Lenny Kravitz. They both have a cool and confident easiness about them.
What's your signature scent?
I have been weaing Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male cologne for years. To change it up, lately I find myself enjoying Burberry's The Beat.
What's your skincare regimen like?
After I shower, I apply Clinique's moisturizer around my face and my eyes.
Do you have any celebrity crushes?
I like Scarlett Johansson. She's got this approachable look to her. She's cute. I also like Jessica Biel. I love the way she looks. She looks like the girl next door. She seems athletic and works out. I love a woman who takes care of herself because it shows me that they take pride in the way they look. I appreciate that.
What do you find is the sexiest thing about a woman?
I'll be honest: I like a woman's butt.
Who do you think has the best butt in Hollywood?
I know everyone wants me to say J.Lo or Kim Kardashian. I actually think Sofia Vergara has the best backside.
What do you love to do on a date?
I love to catch a show, and take a nice walk in Central Park afterward. Then, maybe grab a drink. I'm very mellow.
What's your favorite food to eat?
Cuban and Indian food are neck and neck for me.
Catch the series premiere of Built Monday, January 28, at 9/8c on Style!
